#gc2b review

[man-squared]

Went to a pride event and the event had a booth giving away binders (yes, for free) and I got a new one.

The group is partnered with GC2B so that's the binders they have. Mine fits well, is an interestingly smooth texture, is comfortable, and compresses pretty well. So far, no downsides. The thing is far newer and different from my older (gifted/hand-me-down) GC2B binder and is a short binder, not a tank.

[xiaokuer-schmetterling]

for my transmasc peeps !!!

and for anyone else who is interested in chest-flesh-supportive undergarments lol

-----

-----

-----

my review: i have personally used the gc2b binder--i didn't wind up liking it for myself because of the way the compression interacted with my sensory issues (and the heat. omg i was so sweaty in the summer hahaha) but also. i am very sensitive to fabric textures and prefer loose clothing and ngl don't even wear bras at all anymore so it really depends on the interactions between your dysphoria vs your dysmorphia vs your potential sensory objections!

and i'm excited by the new tape product (which btw is $14 per roll at time of posting) so i'm gonna check that out when i can!!!

ps! if you have financial struggles or barriers to gender affirming healthcare that would prescribe a binder for you--there is a donation program with partner organizations in 42 usa states. here's the link! and although this company is based in the usa, they have international partners in many countries!

-----

-----

-----

spoiler: the answer is yes

-----

PSA: list of resources if you are in an immediate mental health crisis (just checked, soz, this list is specific to usa, canada, uk, new zealand)--i will keep looking into more widely-available international resources

edit: this support group available online to ANYONE, ANYWHERE (with the obvs limitation of being hosted in english)

-----

end post

[my-castles-crumbling]

Hey, Cas!

Do you have any swim safe binder recommendations? My youth group does a pool party every month, and I am in need of something to wear

Hi!!

I don't have any personal experience with this (swimming with a binder), but I found this reddit thread. The brands Underworks and GC2B are mentioned, and those are both good, highly-reviewed brands! I have an underworks binder, and I like it!

[sagegreenfrogs]

Remember to not sleep in your binder or contact lenses and eat some fruit and get some sunshine and that you're awesome and talented and don't need to be either of those things to be loved <3

🐸❤️🫶

yep!!! I don't wear contacts so that one goes to my followers lol

MORE RULES FOR BINDING!!

unless you have an exercise binder, DO NOT WEAR IT WHILE WORKING OUT.

do not wear your binder for more than 8 hours at a time, but just to be safe, try to keep it under 6 hours

TAKE BINDER BREAKS.

if you have any long-term pain or discomfort, ESPECIALLY IN YOUR RIBS, speak to a doctor or get different size.

when buying, if you are between sizes, GO FOR THE LARGER SIZE.

stretch!! just stretch!!

if it's your first binder, buy a half-cut!! in general, they're safer for your ribs!!

and this one is newer: DON'T BUY GC2B. they used to be trustworthy, recent reviews have said they are not. unless they are your only option (through charities or places that give them out for free,) please do not buy from them.

[sapphuric-acid]

Unfortunate news: Spectrum Outfitters is not offering sales to the United States due to the tariffs. If you try to place an order to a United States address, they will give you a full refund. Amor Sensory, makers of high-end binders for texturally-sensitive people, has also stopped shipping to the US.

While I (and I hope the rest of the community) respect their business decision, it's still a massive blow considering that Spectrum recently beat out GC2B in terms of most highly recommended binder brand.

I've heard Flavnt and Wivov are rather highly rated on the cheaper end, and Shapeshifters makes entirely customizable ones on the higher end. Wonababi also has a bit of a cult following and is probably the cheapest option, but I haven't been able to find many reviews or even non-promotional photos of people wearing them. Finally, those with a more traditionally masculine silhouette will likely have luck with Underworks, a brand which sells compression tops to hide gynecomastia and which used to be highly recommended alongside GC2B.

[anti-terf-posts]

gc2b’s quality went to shit? When?

I have an old gc2b binder (doubt it would fit anymore because I have since gained weight since I got it).

personally i got mine BEFORE their quality dropped, but i’ve heard reviews from other people that their quality is just. not good. idk when that happened, i just know that it did

[our-queer-experience]

Do you have any recommendations for chest binders (that ship to Canada)?

There are a couple of brands I've heard of but I have conflicting reviews on quality, so idk where to start

i use gc2b because im autistic and hate trying new things so. idk. there is @binder-masterlist which is a better place to look for info

[we1ghtlossbian]

http://www.underworks.com/extreme-magicotton-sports-and-binding-bra

http://www.gc2b.co/#!store/c205c/products/half-binder

i’m looking at these for myself, thought you’d like them

hiii !! I've been looking a bit myself [for a while], and I've seen quite mixed reviews on gc2b so I've been hesitant to make the purchase. Apparently their quality has gone down noticably in recent years lmao But thank you a lot! I'll have a look at the other one too :)

[andsewingishalfthebattle]

Adjustable binder recs? (and one for sale)

Nearly twenty years ago, I purchased a T-Kingdom binder with side Velcro closure (style pictured below) to use for my crossplays. It's done an admirable job over the years, but after almost two decades of use the elastic is wearing out, so it's time to replace it.

Since I hadn't really kept up with developments in this area, I did a bunch of reading up on binders, since there are SO MANY more on the market now than the two brands (T-Kingdom and Underworks) that existed back in the early 2000s. I looked at dozens of rating blogs and product reviews, and I ordered a few of the more popular models to try.

They... did not work for me. At all. (Ow.)

So then I tried to order another binder from T-Kingdom, since I know I can wear theirs comfortably. But the site's shopping cart is broken, and their contact form is broken, and I emailed them directly and they have never responded, so I'm guessing they're either defunct or don't want my money.

Trouble is, nobody else seems to make the model I need. So, crowdsourcing it is! If anyone has suggestions or knows where I can get a binder that meets the following criteria, please chime in:

It CAN NOT be a fitted pullover style. I have spine damage that limits my shoulder and neck mobility; I can't even get a sports bra on over my shoulders, much less a tight-fitting binder. It can go on loose over the head and then zip or Velcro or hook or whatever once it's on, but it can't go on tight.

Adjustable compression preferred. While manual compression is not recommended for everyone, I have enough experience binding to know how not to hurt myself, and I would like to be able to adjust the fit throughout the day to change the pressure on my spine. I like the Velcro closure on my current binder, but I'm open to other styles if they work well.

It needs to be able to flatten huge... tracts of land. I'm a D-cup plus. I need a lot of smooshing power, while still having enough elasticity to allow comfortable breathing.

Actual before-and-after binding photos, to give you an idea of what I'm working with/aiming for:

I may be looking for a unicorn (or at least a model only made by a company that doesn't answer their email), but hopefully someone in my network will have something to recommend. I'm even willing to try making my own, if I can find the right materials -- though I'm not sure where to get those massive, industrial-strength elastic panels that most high-compression binders seem to be made of.

Thanks for any suggestions or recommendations you may have!

The "One For Sale" bit

As mentioned above, I tried several binders that didn't work for me. I was able to return all of them except for one: I have a size L gc2b Nude No. 4 half binder that was on my body for approximately a minute and a half and will never, ever go on it again (this was the one pullover style I tried, and I actually hurt myself getting into/out of it. Stupid spine :P).

Since it's never been used, I'd like to recoup most of my cost, but I'd rather offer it to the cosplay community than just put it up on eBay or something. I paid $42 ($29.75 plus gc2b's flat rate shipping). It can be yours for $29 with local/at-con pickup, $34 shipped within the contiguous USA, or outside that area if you cover the difference in shipping cost (I have cheap international rates through my business account, so this would likely be around $10 more). If you're interested, send me a DM!

[my-castles-crumbling]

HI

I've been meaning to buy a binder. Is there anyway someone could help me know which ones are good?

Hello!

So the ones that I see recommended the most are gc2b and tri-top.

But honestly you might have to try a couple different ones before you find one that works best for you. Every body is different, so what works best for me might not work well for you. Wherever you go, just make sure to check reviews for sizing, length of wear, and if it is returnable if it doesn't fit. In general, try to go with queer-owned or queer-informed companies with LOTS of reviews. This is not the time to buy from a random place to save a few bucks.

As far as personal experience, I got tri-top and I wasn't a huge fan of the shape (small amounts of gaping) but it worked great for binding.

If you have a smaller chest, you could also try TransTape. It's not as binding by itself (especially since I have a larger chest) but I find it the most comfortable for longer-term wear and since I have a tummy, it doesn't roll up like some binders do. If you do get it though, make sure to use oil to remove it and use nipple covers to protect your skin.

Hope that helps!

(Anyone else have recommendations?)

[ash-den]

Spectrum Binder Light Review

So Spectrum Outfitters came out with a new binder "light" for summer. I have 2 original Spectrum binders and they do bind very well but give me back pain after a few hours. So I wanted to try it.

It came after around a week. It was a very thin, synthetic material, with a thick almost sticky band (you know the sticky stuff they put at the top of stockings to prevent them from gliding down?).

I'm an XS size for the original binders, so I was supposed to be a XXS for the binder light. Despite following their sizing chart & measurements (different from the normal ones), it ended up being way too small. At first it would not pass over my shoulders and I struggled for a while.

When I finally got it on, it wasn't binding too well despite being very tight. I feel like if I had sized up, it wouldn't have binded at all. Maybe it's because of the "racerback" form which doesn't fit with my anatomy, as my GC2B racerback binder did not fit me at all either.

I sent it back to get a refund, and it happened pretty quickly. But I had to pay for the shipping back : 10€ original shipping + 18€ to get it back to the UK, to get a 40€ refund so I still lost a lot of money.

As a "less binding", "breathier", "lighter" binder, I still always wear my BWYA X-tra binder with custom swimsuit lining - it's definitely not as thin of a material, but it binds decently while being very comfortable (it's also my sports & swimsuit binder).

I'm pretty disappointed. I want to try a size up, but having paid that much to get it refunded, I don't know if I want to risk it again.

On a positive note, I also got their foam packer, and it's pretty neat. I went for a size 1 (smallest size) but I feel like there was an error somewhere, because it's like the size of my fist. I like it though.

I only saw 1 other review for the binder light and the person seemed to like it. Anyone else has tried it?

[double-aa-batteries]

Wivov binder review

I just bought my first binder recently from wivov. I heard gc2b has gone down hill recently (for reasons I couldn't especially ascertain) and was looking for a different brand to buy from. i did a bunch of research but couldn't find any common consensus. I liked the looks of Wivov as a brand, but as it's new, a lot of people didn't know anything about the brand or the quality and were slightly suspicious. I took a gamble and I'm very happy I did!

I bought the black CORE racer back half binder in size small (I'm 30 inches around the ribcage and maybe 33 around the tits for reference). I haven't ever had a binder before, so unfortunately I don't have anything to compare it to but overall, I'm very pleased. the fabric is very smooth, even the inside canvass part against your skin. I have some sensory issues but nothing major and it's perfectly comfortable for me. even as a racer back, the straps hide fairly well under some of my T-shirts and would probably be entirely hidden if I didn't wear tshirts two sizes too big for me.

the quality seems great and I'm hopeful it will last me for quite a while. it's easy on and off and hasn't stretched for me so far and I've had it for a couple months and have been wearing it as often as is safe.

the compression is everything I was looking for and gets me virtually flat, but I'm also pretty small so I can't say how it would work for larger chested people.

my only complaint is that there could be another 1 cm of fabric on the edges near my armpits as there's a bit of bulging there and not a lot of fabric. but even that I don't really care about because it isn't visible under a shirt and the lack of fabric leaves ample space for me to wear tank tops and not have the binder peak out under the armpits

the shipping was on time and discrete. I will say, if you have someone opening your packages at your house (a parent, etc) that you don't want to know about it, be careful. it came in a regular black garment bag in the mail but inside the bag, it was packaged in one of the brown paper/cardboard letter folders with fun trans characature drawings on it. so just keep in mind! you could not tell at all the way it came in the mail, it's just once you open the bag.

over all, I'm so happy with this purchase. I feel so comfortable in my skin. if you're looking for an affordable, good quality option and don't want to order from gc2b, I'm very happy with Wivov

[i-am-the-doctor]

LGBT UNICORNS EXPLORER PRO BINDER REVIEW!!! :3

Okay, so i'm a poor guy, right? and i was searching on amazon for a binder that would fit me since my first binder is too small for me now + ripping apart, and my 2nd one that was gifted to me is losing its tightness. (i wouldn't really reccomend searching for binders on amazon ESPECIALLY not the hook and eye ones cuz those mess your ribs up and the front zipper ones are usually reserved for top surgery binders i think.) Eventually, using the money that i had earned from doing surveys. I decided to try the LGBT Unicorns explorer pro binder. (also affectionately known on amazon as "LGBT UNICORNS Chest Binder, FTM Binder Trans, Bindfree Sizing Design"), and lemme tell yall, its pretty comfy.

I am a DD/DDD in bras the last time i ever checked, and i found that the 2X binder has made it even easier to function as a transgender individual who binds. (your body may vary, so always and forever measure before you buy a binder from anywhere!), it also has an elastic on the bottom so that nothing slips out, which was a big problem when it came to my 2 GC2Bs. i can now lift my arms up over my head without having to worry about my chest falling out.

the material is also very soft and not scratchy at all. there isn't even any tags to worry about!

one thing i will say though, is that the zippers on both sides (for taking breaks) are a pain in the butt to zip up, but thats most likely because i have a wider frame and i am chubby. It does also have a bit of a uniboob but thats actually something that i don't really have much of a problem with since i always wear a baggy jacket.

all in all, for the money, its a pretty damn good binder!

[eddieheart]

hey i just had your binder safety post pop up as recommended on my dash, and i was wondering if you had any brand recommendations? i’ve heard that gc2b isn’t a safe go-to anymore but i don’t know where else to look. the friends that i’ve asked either stopped needing them before gc2b changed, never used them in the first place, or wear them for such short periods/so infrequently they don’t have to be as mindful of safety.

Wow! Hi, so happy to help. I don’t know much about binder brands but I have a very knowledgeable friend (@buggylad) who’s helped me compile a list.

- Spectrum outfitters (uk based)

- tomboyx (binder alternatives aka compression tops)

- for them (some love some hate, do your own research)

- Underworks (budget friendly)

- shapeshifters (larger sizing)

I really hope this helps, feel free to message again if you have any other questions and I’ll do my best to answer them! (Make sure to check reviews and do some more research before buying)

[binderreviews]

The Fluxion binder review (first impressions)

I ordered this binder after seeing a few positive reviews on it. Chest binding is my special interest (I have autism) and so I decided to try it out. It arrived yesterday and here is my (first impressions) review on it.

Binding ability:

It's... fine? It's not particularly impressive binding, I won't lie. It's better than a sports bra, but I definitely get nowhere near flat in it. For reference, I got an XL and my rib measurement is 84cm/33".

Comfort:

This is a big one for me since I have autism, so I'm including sensory-friendliness in this. Its supposed sensory-friendliness was the main reason I wanted to buy it.

Overall, I do like the fabric. It's not the best fabric from a binder I've ever tried (that one I would say is Wivov) but it's pretty good.

The seams are fine. I don't particularly like the bottom and side seams as they feel a little plasticky, but they're at least covered, so they are better than gc2b, and they aren't rough, so they are better than Untag in my opinion

A big sensory issue is my chest tissue touching my ribs, so I was hoping this binder would keep everything in place well (which is difficult for me to find in a binder with a larger chest). This binder (so far) does keep everything in place and gives relatively even pressure (so it doesn't feel looser on my ribs than my chest tissue, which some brands such as Spectrum do) so I like it for that.

Overall:

It's an ok binder. Not very good at flattening, but it is comfortable. This will probably be a good binder for extra sensitive sensory days for me, but not very good for extremely dysphoric days.

[binder-masterlist]

I do not accept gc2b binder reviews, and won’t until they fix the product

read below for submission info- you must use the template under the cut.

hello! My name is Bee and I use he/they pronouns (minor). I created this blog on 9/7/23, because I could have used something like it when I first started binding.

not all binder reviews on here are going to be positive. It’s important to look at the negative ones as well in order to know which binder to buy.

How to navigate this blog:

every post is tagged with: #[binder name], #[brand name], #binding level: [number], #comfort level: [number], #sensory level: [number], #breathability: [number], #overall: [number], and #binder review.

posts that aren’t reviews will be tagged as #not a review

Non-whole numbers will be rounded up in tags

if the person marks that they do not experience sensory issues and therefore don’t have a good point of reference, there will also be the tag #x

Example review/tags

Econo high power chest binder top

underworks

[link] binding level: 3

comfort level: 4

sensory level: 2

Breathability: 4

overall: 3.5

[notes]

do you experience sensory issues? not really

would you recommend this binder? No

8/2023

tags: #Econo high power chest binder top, #underworks, #binding level 3, #comfort level 4, #sensory level 4, #breathability 4, #overall 4, #binder review #x

submission info/faq under the cut

Submission info!

use the following template- Reviews not submitted in this template will not be posted. (1 being terrible, 5 being great)

[binder name] [brand name]

[link] (if you can find it)

binding level:[1-5] comfort level:[1-5] sensory level:[1-5]

breathability:[1-5] overall:[1-5] (this is NOT an average. It’s what you would rate the binder as a whole)

do you experience sensory issues? [yes/no]

would you recommend this binder? [yes/no]

[date you got the binder on] (or a guess)

other notes:

——

options to include in the notes: durability, cup size, heat. You can also put more detailed information on your rating in the notes!

FAQ

Q: why hasn’t my submission been posted?

A: I’m a full time student and there’s only one of me. If your review was submitted in the correct format and is NOT a gc2b binder, dm me after a week.

Q: why aren’t you taking gc2b binder submissions?

A: their quality went down severely recently, and they’re unsafe to wear. I don’t want someone to buy one because of an older review and be hurt.

Feel free to submit faq questions as well!

(I may mess up and rb stuff on the wrong blog. Be patient with me, I’m still trying to figure this out!)